Ballarat CBD to get free wi-fi

Free wireless internet will be introduced in Ballarat's CBD by the end of the year.

The Victorian Government is expected to make an announcement, calling for expressions of interest to deliver free public wi-fi services.

It says the initiative would pilot fast and reliable wi-fi services in Ballarat's CBD, including public transport hubs and tourist attractions.

Parts of Bendigo are also expected to receive free wi-fi.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Terry Mulder says technical work to determine whether V/Lline trains can be installed with wi-fi has been completed.

The Government has promised to roll out free internet on some V/Line services but there has been problems with network blackholes.

Mr Mulder says he is hopeful wi-fi for V/Line passengers is not too far off.

"That work, as I understand it, has been completed," he said.

"There is now a formal engagement process taking place, so we'd like to be in a position to be able to provide that, we want to make sure that we get the technology right, that we get the solution right and can provide the best opportunity for people to be able to enjoy that but we've been doing a lot of work over the last 12 months.

"We are still working on the issue in terms of blackspots on the V/Line network, work is being undertaken across a couple of Government departments dealing with the IT aspects of that.

"We'd like to be in a position to provide that to people who travel on V/Line but there's a little bit more work to be undertaken."